Bayern Munich chiefs have given a public show of support for under-fire boss Niko Kovac.
The German giants called a press conference on Friday morning, with club president Uli Hoeness, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzi all in attendance.
Arsene Wenger recently hinted he was close to a return to football
That sparked rumours that Kovac was to be sacked just three months after replacing Jupp Heynckes, with speculation former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was in line to replace him.
But Bayern instead used the media briefing to show their support for Kovac, who was also present, and launch an extraordinary attack on the German press for ‘slanderous reporting’ over their poor start to the season.
Bayern are currently sitting sixth in the Bundesliga table having won only four of their opening seven games and are without a victory in all competitions in four matches.
After they were beaten 3-0 at home by Borussia Monchengladbach before the international break, Kovac and his players were subjected to stinging criticism, with club legend Lothar Matthaus among the most vocal critics.
Niko Kovac replaced Jupp Heynckes as Bayern Munich boss in July
Rummenigge said: “We at Bayern have decided that we will no longer accept this recent kind of media coverage.
“It’s an important day for FC Bayern because we want to tell you that we will not put up with it anymore.
“We will not let this degrading, slanderous reporting as of today. We will protect our players, our coach and the club.
“We are not looking for the blame on the media. If you do not play well, you deserve no praise. But we want a report of a factual nature.”
Wenger recently hinted that he will return to football in January, having ended his 22-year tenure at Arsenal in the summer.
That prompted rumours he could take charge at the Allianz Arena with Kovac under pressure.
But, Salihamidzic has said Kovac has his and the board’s support: “Niko is out of the question for me, he knows we’re behind him, it’s disrespectful and outrageous what’s going on.”
More to follow…
Credit: talkSPORT
via USAHint.com
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